Love at the Derby - Sea Bright Engagement session - Tia & Brian

Though an unconventional site for an engagement shoot, we shot Tia & Brian’s Sea Bright Engagement session at the Monmouth Race Track to recreate their first meet at Preakness. It was incredible working with such a fun, relaxed, and naturally happy couple. We planned to begin their GTKY session at the Monmouth Race Track and to finish their session at their favorite beach location.

The Derby

When I arrived at the derby to meet the couple, the sunny and warm weather allowed for an awesome atmosphere! The minute we walked onto the track, Tia’s dress flowed with the breeze as the couple held hands. It was my first photo of them taken during the session, and ultimately one of my favorite shots.

How they decided on locations

GTKY (aka: engagement) sessions not only allow couples to learn more about their photographer before their wedding day — these shoots also allow couples to travel to locations that are meaningful to their relationship together in order to capture their story. Tia & Brian’s canvas wall art piece pictures the couple relaxing on the second floor of the race tracks’ seats, happily overlooking the track.

Sea Bright Engagement session

The Sea Bright beach Tia & Brian chose for their shoot had been harshly battered from past storms — however, the rebuild of this site is amazing. The entire town surrounding the coast elicits a feeling of welcome and comfort. It’s no easy task to find good pizza in beach towns, but we ate lunch at a phenomenal pizzeria by the location they selected. A modernized boardwalk provided for not only a beautiful background but also a fun experience. I highly suggest visiting this lovely shore town with the family.

I can’t wait to get back to the beach with Tia & Brian for their wedding at Windows on the Water in Sea Bright this summer, and I’m equally as excited to do another Sea Bright engagement session with future couples at this stunning location. I will always love going to the Jersey Shore for work or to dunk my dad bod into the Atlantic Ocean!